World Migratory Bird Day 2025

World Migratory Bird Day 2025: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is celebrated annually to raise awareness about the importance of protecting migratory birds and their habitats. Established by the United Nations in 2006, the event officially takes place on May 19th in the U.S. and Canada and on the second Saturday of October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. However, recognizing that these dates may not work well for all locations or migratory patterns, programs and celebrations are hosted at various times throughout the year.

2025 Theme: Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities

The 2025 theme focuses on creating environments that support migratory bird populations in urban and rural areas. It highlights the importance of adapting human spaces to ensure coexistence between birds and people. From urban centers to small communities, efforts to maintain healthy habitats for migratory birds are critical for biodiversity and ecological balance.

Events and Activities

World Migratory Bird Day 2025 will feature events in over 100 countries, including:

Bird Walks and Observations: Guided tours to observe migratory bird species in their natural habitats.

Art Competitions and Exhibits: Creative works inspired by the beauty and significance of migratory birds.

Educational Workshops: Sessions on bird-friendly urban planning, habitat restoration, and biodiversity.

Community Festivals: Celebrations in parks, zoos, and museums with interactive activities for all ages.

Conservation Campaigns: Programs to educate the public about preserving migratory bird habitats and addressing threats like climate change and habitat loss.

History and Global Reach

Originally called International Migratory Bird Day, WMBD was initiated to emphasize the interconnectedness of bird migration routes and habitats across continents. Events engage the public in informal science education and conservation efforts, fostering a sense of responsibility for protecting migratory species.

Connection to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

World Migratory Bird Day supports the following SDGs:

SDG 13: Climate Action – Addressing the impacts of climate change on migratory species and their habitats.

SDG 15: Life on Land – Protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices to maintain biodiversity.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Encouraging urban planning that integrates bird conservation.

A Global Call to Action

World Migratory Bird Day reminds us of the shared responsibility to protect migratory birds and their habitats. Join the global effort on May 4, 2025, by participating in events, learning about conservation, and taking steps to create a bird-friendly world.

World Migratory Bird Day Themes

Year	Theme	Theme Description
2000	Focus on the Falcon	Highlighted the importance of falcons and their role in ecosystems.
2001	Taste of the Tropics	Explored tropical habitats and their importance to migratory birds.
2002	Exploring Habitats	Focused on various bird habitats and the need to conserve them.
2003	Catalysts for Conservation	Emphasized the role of birds as indicators of environmental health.
2004	Conserving Colonial Birds	Highlighted the conservation of colonial nesting birds and their habitats.
2005	Collisions	Addressed the issue of bird collisions with human-made structures.
2006	The Boreal Forest	Focused on the boreal forest as a vital breeding ground for birds.
2007	Birds in a Changing Climate	Explored the impacts of climate change on migratory birds.
2008	Tundra to Tropics	Emphasized the connection between tundra breeding and tropical wintering habitats.
2009	Celebrate Birds in Culture	Focused on the cultural significance of birds worldwide.
2010	Power of Partnerships	Highlighted collaborative efforts in bird conservation.
2011	Go Wild, Go Birding	Encouraged public participation in birdwatching and conservation activities.
2012	Connecting People to Bird Conservation	Focused on raising awareness about the role of birds in ecosystems and involving people in their protection.
2013	Life Cycle of Migratory Birds	Explored the various stages of the life cycles of migratory birds.
2014	Why Birds Matter	Highlighted the ecological and economic value of birds.
2015	Restore Habitat, Restore Birds	Emphasized the importance of habitat restoration for bird conservation.
2016	Spread Your Wings for Bird Conservation	Focused on inspiring individuals to support bird conservation efforts.
2017	Stopover Sites	Highlighted the importance of stopover habitats for migratory birds.
2018	Year of the Bird	Celebrated the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and raised awareness about bird conservation.
2019	Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution	Addressed the threat of plastic pollution to migratory birds and promoted sustainable practices.
2020	Birds Connect Our World	Highlighted the ecological importance of migratory birds in connecting ecosystems worldwide.
2021	Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird!	Encouraged awareness and appreciation for the beauty of migratory birds.
2022	Light Pollution	Focused on the impact of artificial light on migratory birds and called for reducing light pollution.
2023	Water: Sustaining Bird Life	Emphasized the importance of aquatic ecosystems for migratory birds and the need to conserve these habitats.
2024	Protect Insects, Protect Birds	Highlighted the decline in insect populations and its impact on migratory birds, calling for urgent conservation action.